Remotely controlling a magnetic tape cartridge

ABSTRACT

A data storage cartridge according to one embodiment comprises a housing configured to house a data storage medium, a sensor coupled to the housing, and a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller is configured to wirelessly communicate information about the sensor. Other embodiments relate to a data storage cartridge comprising a housing configured to house a data storage medium, a cartridge memory coupled to the housing, the cartridge memory having a wireless communications interface, and a microcontroller in physical communication with the cartridge memory. The microcontroller is configured to wirelessly communicate information retrieved from the cartridge memory. Additional embodiments relate to a data storage cartridge comprising a mechanical write protect mechanism coupled to the housing of the data storage cartridge, an actuator coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanism for selectively changing a state of the mechanical write protect mechanism, and a microcontroller configured to control the actuator.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to data storage systems, and moreparticularly, this invention relates to a magnetic tape cartridgecapable of being remotely controlled and/or communicated with withoutloading the magnetic tape cartridge into a tape drive.

In magnetic storage systems, magnetic transducers read data from andwrite data onto magnetic recording media. Data is written on themagnetic recording media by moving a magnetic recording transducer to aposition over the media where the data is to be stored. The magneticrecording transducer then generates a magnetic field, which encodes thedata into the magnetic media. Data is read from the media by similarlypositioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing the magneticfield of the magnetic media. Read and write operations may beindependently synchronized with the movement of the media to ensure thatthe data can be read from and written to the desired location on themedia.

An important and continuing goal in the data storage industry is that ofincreasing the density of data stored on a medium. For tape storagesystems, that goal has led to increasing the track and linear bitdensity on recording tape, and decreasing the thickness of the magnetictape medium. However, the development of small footprint, higherperformance tape drive systems has created various problems in thedesign of a tape head assembly for use in such systems.

In a tape drive system, the drive moves the magnetic tape over thesurface of the tape head at high speed. Usually the tape head isdesigned to minimize the spacing between the head and the tape. Thespacing between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape is crucial andso goals in these systems are to have the recording gaps of thetransducers, which are the source of the magnetic recording flux in nearcontact with the tape to effect writing sharp transitions, and to havethe read elements in near contact with the tape to provide effectivecoupling of the magnetic field from the tape to the read elements.

SUMMARY

A data storage cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housingconfigured to house a data storage medium, a sensor coupled to thehousing, and a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. Themicrocontroller is configured to wirelessly communicate informationabout the sensor.

A data storage cartridge according to a further embodiment includes ahousing configured to house a data storage medium, a cartridge memorycoupled to the housing, the cartridge memory having a wirelesscommunications interface, and a microcontroller in physicalcommunication with the cartridge memory. The microcontroller isconfigured to wirelessly communicate information retrieved from thecartridge memory.

A data storage cartridge according to another embodiment includes ahousing configured to house a data storage medium therein, a mechanicalwrite protect mechanism coupled to the housing of the data storagecartridge, an actuator coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanismfor selectively changing a state of the mechanical write protectmechanism, and a microcontroller in communication with the actuator. Themicrocontroller is configured to control the actuator.

Any of these embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with amagnetic data storage system such as a tape drive system, which mayinclude a magnetic head, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium(e.g., recording tape) over the magnetic head, and a controllerelectrically coupled to the magnetic head.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated data storage libraryaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage frame from the data storagelibrary of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an automated data storage library accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a controller configuration accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a data storage drive according toone embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the data storage drive of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of a data storage cartridge having a cutawayportion, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective views of a multi-cartridge deep slot cellaccording to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8D are partial side views of a cartridge blocking mechanismaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a tiered data storage system in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a tape cartridge according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a leader pin switch according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a snapped tape sensor according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a tape cartridge according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a tape cartridge according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a tape cartridge according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the present invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless otherwise specified.

Various embodiments include data storage cartridges that are configuredto wirelessly communicate information about the data storage cartridge,and/or control various components of the data storage cartridge.Illustrative data storage cartridges include magnetic tape cartridges,optical media cartridges, etc. To place the inventive concepts disclosedherein in a context, much of the description herein refers to a tapecartridge. This has been done by way of example only, and the conceptsdisclosed in the various exemplary embodiments may be readily applied toany type of data storage cartridge.

In one general embodiment, a data storage cartridge includes a housingconfigured to house a data storage medium, a sensor coupled to thehousing, and a microcontroller coupled to the sensor, themicrocontroller being configured to wirelessly communicate informationabout the sensor.

In another general embodiment, a data storage cartridge includes ahousing configured to house a data storage medium therein, a cartridgememory coupled to the housing, the cartridge memory having a wirelesscommunications interface, and a microcontroller in physicalcommunication with the cartridge memory. The microcontroller isconfigured to wirelessly communicate information retrieved from thecartridge memory.

In another general embodiment, a data storage cartridge includes ahousing configured to house a data storage medium therein, a mechanicalwrite protect mechanism coupled to the housing of the data storagecartridge, an actuator coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanismfor selectively changing a state of the mechanical write protectmechanism, and a microcontroller in communication with the actuator. Themicrocontroller is configured to control the actuator.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an automated data storage library 10 which storesand retrieves data storage cartridges, containing data storage media(not shown), from multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 and singlecartridge storage slots 16. An example of an automated data storagelibrary which has a similar configuration as that depicted in FIGS. 1-2,and may be implemented with some of the various approaches herein is theIBM 3584 UltraScalable Tape Library. Moreover, it should be noted thatreferences to “data storage media” herein refer to data storagecartridges, and for purposes of the present application, the two termsmay be used synonymously.

The library 10 of FIG. 1 comprises a left hand service bay 13, one ormore storage frames 11, and right hand service bay 14. As will bediscussed in further detail below, a frame may comprise an expansioncomponent of the library. Thus, storage frames may be added or removedto expand or reduce the size and/or functionality of the library.According to different approaches, frames may include additional storageslots, deep slot cells, drives, import/export stations, accessors,operator panels, etc.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a storage frame 11, which actsas the base frame of the library 10. Moreover, the storage frame 11illustrated in FIG. 2 is contemplated to be a minimum configuration ofthe library 10, for which there is only a single accessor 18 (i.e.,there are no redundant accessors) and no service bay. However, in otherembodiments, a storage frame may include multiple robotic accessorsand/or service bays.

Looking to FIG. 2, the library 10 is arranged for accessing data storagemedia in response to commands from at least one external host system(not shown). The library 10 includes a plurality of storage slots 16 onfront wall 17 and a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 onrear wall 19, both of which may be used for storing data storagecartridges that may contain data storage media. According to oneapproach, the storage slots 16 are configured to store a single datastorage cartridge, and the multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 areconfigured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges. In apreferred approach, the multi-cartridge deep slot cells may be arrangedin sequential order of tiers from front to rear (e.g., see FIG. 7A).

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the storage frame 11 of the library10 also includes at least one data storage drive 15, e.g., for readingand/or writing data with respect to the data storage media.Additionally, a first accessor 18 may be used to transport data storagemedia between the plurality of storage slots 16, the multi-cartridgedeep slot cells, and/or the data storage drive(s) 15. According tovarious approaches, the data storage drives 15 may be optical discdrives, magnetic tape drives, solid state drives having nonvolatilerandom access memory (NVRAM) such as Flash memory, or other types ofdata storage drives as are used to read and/or write data with respectto the data storage media.

As illustrated, the storage frame 11 may optionally include an operatorpanel or other user interface, such as a web-based interface, whichallows a user to interact with the library 10. The storage frame 11 mayalso optionally comprise an upper I/O station 24 and/or a lower I/Ostation 25, thereby allowing data storage cartridges to be added (e.g.,inserted) to the library inventory and/or removed from the librarywithout disrupting library operation. Furthermore, the library 10 mayhave one or more storage frames 11, each having storage slots 16,preferably accessible by the first accessor 18.

As described above, the storage frames 11 may be configured withdifferent components depending upon the intended function. Oneconfiguration of storage frame 11 may comprise storage slots 16 and/ormulti-cartridge deep slot cells 100, data storage drive(s) 15, and otheroptional components to store and retrieve data from the data storagecartridges. However, in another approach, a storage frame 11 may includestorage slots 16 and/or multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100 and no othercomponents. The first accessor 18 may have a gripper assembly 20, e.g.,for gripping one or more data storage media, in addition to having a barcode scanner or other reading system, such as a cartridge memory readeror similar system mounted on the gripper assembly 20, to “read”identifying information about the data storage media.

FIG. 3 depicts an automated data storage library 10, in accordance withone embodiment. As an option, the present automated data storage library10 may be implemented in conjunction with features from any otherembodiment listed herein, such as those described with reference to theother FIGS. Of course, however, such automated data storage library 10and others presented herein may be used in various applications and/orin permutations which may or may not be specifically described in theillustrative embodiments listed herein. Further, the automated datastorage library 10 presented herein may be used in any desiredenvironment. Thus FIG. 3 (and the other FIGS.) should be deemed toinclude any and all possible permutations.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the automated data storage library 10 asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, is depicted according to oneembodiment. According to a preferred approach, the library 10 may employa controller, e.g., arranged as a distributed system of modules with aplurality of processor nodes.

In one approach, the library is controlled, not by a central controller,but rather, by a distributed control system for receiving logicalcommands and converting the commands to physical movements of theaccessor and gripper, and for operating the drives in accordance withthe desired physical movements. The distributed control system may alsoprovide logistical support, such as responding to host requests forelement status, inventory, library status, etc. The specific commands,the conversion of those commands to physical movements, and theoperation of the drives may be of a type known to those of skill in theart.

While the automated data storage library 10 has been described asemploying a distributed control system, various other approachesdescribed and/or suggested herein may be implemented in automated datastorage libraries regardless of control configuration, such as, but notlimited to, an automated data storage library having one or more librarycontrollers that are not distributed.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the library 10 may have one or more storageframes 11, a left hand service bay 13 and a right hand service bay 14.The left hand service bay 13 is shown with a first accessor 18, where,as discussed above, the first accessor 18 may include a gripper assembly20 and/or a bar code scanner (e.g., reading system) to “read”identifying information about the data storage media depending on thedesired embodiment. Furthermore, the right hand service bay 14 is shownhaving a second accessor 28, which includes a gripper assembly 30 andmay also include a reading system 32 to “read” identifying informationabout the data storage media.

According to one approach, in the event of a failure or otherunavailability of the first accessor 18, or its gripper assembly 20,etc., the second accessor 28 may perform some or all of the functions ofthe first accessor 18. Thus, in different approaches, the two accessors18, 28 may share one or more mechanical paths, they may have completelyindependent mechanical paths, or combinations thereof. In one example,the accessors 18, 28 may have a common horizontal rail with independentvertical rails to travel therealong. Moreover, it should be noted thatthe first and second accessors 18, 28 are described as first and secondfor descriptive purposes only and this description is not meant to limiteither accessor to an association with either the left hand service bay13, or the right hand service bay 14.

In an exemplary embodiment which is in no way intended to limit theinvention, the first and second accessors 18, 28 may preferably movetheir grippers in at least two directions, called the horizontal “X”direction and vertical “Y” direction, e.g., to retrieve and grip,deliver and release, load and unload, etc. the data storage cartridge atthe storage slots 16, multi-cartridge deep slot cells 100, data storagedrives 15, etc.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, library 10 receives commands fromone or more host systems 40, 41, 42. The host systems 40, 41, 42, suchas host servers, communicate with the library directly, e.g., on path80, through one or more control ports (not shown), or through one ormore data storage drives 15 on paths 81, 82. Thus, in differentapproaches, the host systems 40, 41, 42 may provide commands to accessparticular data storage cartridges and move the cartridges, for example,between the storage slots 16 and the data storage drives 15. Thecommands are typically logical commands identifying the cartridges orcartridge media, and/or logical locations for accessing the media.Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms “commands” and “workrequests” are used interchangeably herein to refer to suchcommunications from the host system 40, 41, 42 to the library 10 as areintended to result in accessing particular data storage media within thelibrary 10 depending on the desired approach.

According to one embodiment, the library 10 may be controlled by alibrary controller. Moreover, in various approaches, the librarycontroller may include a distributed control system receiving thelogical commands from hosts, determining the required actions, and/orconverting the actions to physical movements of the first and/or secondaccessor 18, 28. In another approach, the distributed control system mayhave a plurality of processor nodes, each having one or more computerprocessors. According to one example of a distributed control system, acommunication processor node 50 may be located in a storage frame 11.The communication processor node provides a communication link forreceiving the host commands, either directly or through the drives 15,via at least one external interface, e.g., coupled to line 80.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the communication processor node 50 mayadditionally provide a communication link 70 for communicating with thedata storage drives 15. As illustrated, the communication processor node50 may preferably be located in the storage frame 11, e.g., close to thedata storage drives 15. Furthermore, one or more additional workprocessor nodes may be provided to form an exemplary distributedprocessor system, which may comprise, e.g., a work processor node 52located at first accessor 18, and that is coupled to the communicationprocessor node 50 via a network 60, 157. According to differentapproaches, each work processor node may respond to received commandsthat are broadcast thereto from any communication processor node, andthe work processor nodes may also direct the operation of the accessors,e.g., providing move commands. An XY processor node 55 may be providedand may be located at an XY system of first accessor 18. As illustrated,the XY processor node 55 is coupled to the network 60, 157, and isresponsive to the move commands, operating the XY system to position thegripper assembly 20.

Also, an operator panel processor node 59 may be provided at theoptional operator panel for providing an interface for communicatingbetween the operator panel and the communication processor node 50, thework processor nodes 52, 252, and the XY processor nodes 55, 255.

A network 60, for example comprising a common bus, is provided, couplingthe various processor nodes. The network may comprise a robust wiringnetwork, such as the commercially available Controller Area Network(CAN) bus system, which is a multi-drop network, having a standardaccess protocol and wiring standards, for example, as defined by CiA,the CAN in Automation Association, Am Weich Selgarten 26, D-91058Erlangen, Germany. Other networks, such as Ethernet, or a wirelessnetwork system, such as RF or infrared, may be employed in the libraryas is known to those of skill in the art. In addition, multipleindependent networks may also be used to couple the various processornodes.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the communication processor node 50 is coupledto each of the data storage drives 15 of a storage frame 11, via lines70, and are thereby communicating with the drives 15 and with hostsystems 40, 41, 42. Alternatively, the host systems 40, 41, 42 may bedirectly coupled to the communication processor node 50, at input 80 forexample, or to control port devices (not shown) which connect thelibrary to the host system(s) with a library interface similar to thedrive/library interface. As is known to those of skill in the art,various communication arrangements may be employed for communicationwith the hosts and with the data storage drives. In the example of FIG.3, host connections 80 and 81 are intended to be Ethernet and a SCSIbus, respectively, e.g., and may serve as host connections. However, bus82 comprises an example of a Fibre Channel bus which is a high speedserial data interface, allowing transmission over greater distances thanthe SCSI bus systems.

According to some approaches, the data storage drives 15 may be in closeproximity to the communication processor node 50, and may employ a shortdistance communication scheme, such as Ethernet, or a serial connection,such as RS-422. Thus the data storage drives 15 may be individuallycoupled to the communication processor node 50 by lines 70.Alternatively, the data storage drives 15 may be coupled to thecommunication processor node 50 through one or more networks.

Furthermore, additional storage frames 11 may be provided, whereby eachis preferably coupled to the adjacent storage frame. According tovarious approaches, any of the additional storage frames 11 may includecommunication processor nodes 50, storage slots 16, data storage drives15, networks 60, etc.

Moreover, as described above, the automated data storage library 10 maycomprise a plurality of accessors. A second accessor 28, for example, isshown in a right hand service bay 14 of FIG. 3. The second accessor 28may include a gripper assembly 30 for accessing the data storage media,and an XY system 255 for moving the second accessor 28. The secondaccessor 28 may run on the same horizontal mechanical path as the firstaccessor 18, and/or on an adjacent (e.g., separate) path. Moreover theillustrative control system additionally includes an extension network200 which forms a network coupled to network 60 of the storage frame(s)11 and to network 157 of left hand service bay 13.

In FIG. 3 and the accompanying description, the first and secondaccessors are associated with the left hand service bay 13 and the righthand service bay 14 respectively. However, this is for illustrativepurposes and there may not be an actual association. Thus, according toanother approach, network 157 may not be associated with the left handservice bay 13 and network 200 may not be associated with the right handservice bay 14. Moreover, depending on the design of the library, it maynot be necessary to have a left hand service bay 13 and/or a right handservice bay 14 at all.

An automated data storage library 10 typically comprises one or morecontrollers to direct the operation of the automated data storagelibrary. Moreover, host computers and data storage drives typicallyinclude similar controllers. A library controller may take manydifferent forms and may comprise, for example, but is not limited to, anembedded system, a distributed control system, a personal computer, aworkstation, etc. The term “library controller” as used herein isintended in its broadest sense as a device that includes at least oneprocessor, and optionally further circuitry and/or logic, forcontrolling and/or providing at least some aspects of libraryoperations.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a typical controller 400 is shown with aprocessor 402, Random Access Memory (RAM) 403, nonvolatile memory 404,device specific circuits 401, and I/O interface 405. Alternatively, theRAM 403 and/or nonvolatile memory 404 may be contained in the processor402 as could the device specific circuits 401 and I/O interface 405. Theprocessor 402 may comprise, for example, an off-the-shelfmicroprocessor, custom processor, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA),Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), discrete logic, etc. TheRAM 403 is typically used to hold variable data, stack data, executableinstructions, etc.

According to various approaches, the nonvolatile memory 404 may compriseany type of nonvolatile memory such as, but not limited to, ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), flash Programmable ReadOnly Memory (PROM), battery backup RAM, hard disk drives, etc. However,the nonvolatile memory 404 is typically used to hold the executablefirmware and any nonvolatile data. Moreover, the I/O interface 405comprises a communication interface that allows the processor 402 tocommunicate with devices external to the controller. Examples maycomprise, but are not limited to, network interfaces such as an ethernetinterface; serial interfaces such as RS-232, USB (Universal Serial Bus)or Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI); etc. The device specificcircuits 401 provide additional hardware to enable the controller 400 toperform unique functions including, but not limited to, motor control ofa cartridge gripper. Moreover, the device specific circuits 401 mayinclude electronics that provide, by way of example but not limitation,Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control, Analog to Digital Conversion(ADC), Digital to Analog Conversion (DAC), etc. In addition, all or partof the device specific circuits 401 may reside outside the controller400.

While the automated data storage library 10 is described as employing adistributed control system, the various approaches described and/orsuggested herein may be implemented in various automated data storagelibraries regardless of control configuration, including, but notlimited to, an automated data storage library having one or more librarycontrollers that are not distributed. Moreover, a library controller maycomprise one or more dedicated controllers of a library, depending onthe desired embodiment. For example, there may be a primary controllerand a backup controller. In addition, a library controller may compriseone or more processor nodes of a distributed control system. Accordingto one example, communication processor node 50 (e.g., of FIG. 3) maycomprise the library controller while the other processor nodes (ifpresent) may assist the library controller and/or may provide backup orredundant functionality. In another example, communication processornode 50 and work processor node 52 may work cooperatively to form thelibrary controller while the other processor nodes (if present) mayassist the library controller and/or may provide backup or redundantfunctionality. Still further, all of the processor nodes may comprisethe library controller. According to various approaches described and/orsuggested herein, a library controller may have a single processor orcontroller, or it may include multiple processors or controllers.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the front 501 and rear 502 views of a datastorage drive 15, according to one embodiment. In the example depictedin FIGS. 5A-5B, the data storage drive 15 comprises a hot-swap drivecanister, which is in no way intended to limit the invention. In fact,any configuration of data storage drive may be used whether or not itincludes a hot-swap canister. As discussed above, a data storage drive15 is used to read and/or write data with respect to the data storagemedia, and may additionally communicate with a memory which is separatefrom the media, and is located within the cartridge. Thus, according toone approach, a data storage cartridge may be placed into the datastorage drive 15 at opening 503.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a data storagecartridge 600 with a cartridge memory 610 shown in a cutaway portion ofthe Figure, which is in no way intended to limit the invention. In fact,any configuration of data storage cartridge may be used whether or notit comprises a cartridge memory. According to various approaches, mediaof the data storage cartridge media may include any type of media onwhich data may be stored, including but not limited to magnetic media,e.g., magnetic tape, disks, etc.; optical media, e.g., optical tape,discs, etc.; electronic media, e.g., PROM, EEPROM, flash PROM,CompactFlash™, Smartmedia™, Memory Stick™, etc.; etc., or other suitablemedia. Moreover, an example of a data storage cartridge that is widelyemployed in automated data storage libraries for mass data storage is amagnetic tape cartridge in which the media is magnetic tape.

Looking now to FIGS. 7A-7B, a multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 havingbiasing springs 152 is depicted according to one embodiment. As shown inthe illustrative embodiment, the multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100comprises a housing 110 defining an interior space 115. Furthermore, aplurality of storage slots 120 is disposed within the housing, and maybe configured for storing up to a plurality of data storage cartridges600, depending on the desired approach. Alternatively, themulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100 may be built into the frame of theautomated data storage library according to one approach.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate an embodiment of a cartridge blocking mechanism150 having a retaining gate 660 that retains the data storage cartridgesin the multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 according to one embodiment.As illustrated, according to one approach, the retaining gate 660 may beexternally attached to a multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100, relative toa front opening of the multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100, whereby theretaining gate 660 can be activated by an accessor 18, e.g., of anautomated tape library. Moreover, the retaining gate 660 allows forpositive cartridge retention against the pressure of biasing springs(see 152 of FIGS. 7A-7B), and ensures that one or more data storagecartridges do not get pushed out of the multi-cartridge deep slot cell100 simultaneously, while allowing the pushing mechanism (not shown) ofthe multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 to continuously push data storagecartridge(s) to the opening in a multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100.Thus, according to one approach, the accessor 18 may open the retaininggate to gain access to the data storage cartridge in tier 1 and, uponits extraction, the biasing spring 152 moves the cartridge(s) positionedbehind the extracted cartridge forward, thereby promoting thecartridge(s) by one tier as will soon become apparent.

The basic working of the retaining gate is that the gate prevents thedata storage cartridge(s) from being pushed out of a multi-cartridgedeep slot cell 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, a retaininggate 660 can be lifted by, for example, accessor 18 or by a frontstorage cartridge 642 for cartridge removal from/insertion into amulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100. Specifically, retaining gate 660 hasa pivoting arm 661 mounted on multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 via apivoting post (not shown) that can be integral to a construction ofmulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100. Pivoting arm 661 is located below acatch 662 of retaining gate 660 whereby a thrust force TF through datastorage cartridge 644-642 caused by the pushing mechanism (not shown) ofmulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100 causes retaining gate 660 to stayclosed in a retaining position as shown in FIG. 8A. Moreover, theretaining gate 660 is preferably biased such that it closes in thedownward direction over the front opening of multi-cartridge deep slotcell 100. This constant biasing may be achieved via gravity as shown inFIG. 8A or by implementing a spring force, e.g., attached to retaininggate 660 (not shown).

For removal of front storage cartridge 642 by accessor 18 frommulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100, retaining gate 660 must be liftedupward to a releasing position whereby catch 662 of retaining gate 660is disengaged from front storage cartridge 642. This can be seen in FIG.8B where accessor 18 interfaces with retaining gate 660 by providing alifting force. Once retaining gate 660 is lifted to the releasingposition and accessor 18 is engaged with storage cartridge 642, accessor18 can pull storage cartridge 642 out of multi-cartridge deep slot cell100 and into accessor 18 without any interference of retaining gate 660as shown in FIG. 8C. In view of storage cartridges 644 and 643 beingstored in multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100, retaining gate 660 mustreturn to its retaining position to prevent storage cartridges 644 and643 from being ejected from multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 by thethrust force TF of the pushing mechanism (not shown). During extractionof front storage cartridge 642 through the front opening ofmulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100, the retaining gate 660, which isbeing biased downward, moves back to the retaining position to engagestorage cartridge 643.

Once front storage cartridge 642 is extracted and storage cartridges 643and 644 are retained from being pushed out of multi-cartridge deep slotcell 100, retaining gate 660 has successfully completed its cartridgeretrieval process. Now retaining gate 660 demonstrates its ability towork for cartridge insertion into multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100.When accessor 18 begins to insert storage cartridge 642 back intomulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100, retaining gate 660 is lifted to itsreleasing position to allow storage cartridge 642 through the frontopening of multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100. Catch 662 of retaininggate 660 interfaces with a rear portion of storage cartridge 642, inparticular a beveled surface of catch 662 as shown in FIG. 8D, wherebyretaining gate 660 is lifted to its releasing position as shown in FIG.8B due to storage cartridge 642 being pushed in multi-cartridge deepslot cell 100 by accessor 18. In doing so, storage cartridges 644, 643are pushed deeper into multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 by storagecartridge 642 in multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100 by accessor 18.Thus, the accessor is able to provide a force greater than the thrustforce TF antiparallel thereto, to overcome the directional biasing ofthe storage cartridges 644, 643. Upon full insertion intomulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100, retaining gate 660 moves to itsretaining position to engage storage cartridge 642 as shown in FIG. 8A.

Thus, looking to various embodiments presented herein, access to astorage slot may include the ability to remove a cartridge from astorage slot, the ability to place a cartridge into a storage slot, orcombinations thereof.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the storage slots from top tobottom are considered to be in parallel and comprise the same tier.Moreover, the storage slots from front to back, in a particular row, areconsidered to be in series and comprise sequential tiers.

Referring back to FIGS. 7A-7B, in accordance with one embodiment,storage slots 120 are depicted as being configured for storing up to aplurality of data storage cartridges 600, and arranged in sequentialorder of tiers 621, 622, 623, 624, 625 from front to rear. It should benoted that the frontmost tier 621 is also called “tier 1”, while thenext tier 622 is called “tier 2”, etc., and the last tier 625 is alsocalled the “rearmost” tier. However, referring to FIG. 2, in oneembodiment, the single cartridge storage slots 16 are also termed “tier0”.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, according to one embodiment, thecontroller of automated data storage library 10 may operate theaccessor(s) 18, 28 to selectively extract, place and/or transport datastorage cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells100 and/or other elements of the automated data storage library 10. Forexample, the controller may facilitate extracting a cartridge from amulti-cartridge deep slot cell 100, transporting the cartridge to a datastorage drive 15 and placing the cartridge in the drive 15. Thecontroller may then extract the cartridge from the data storage drive15, while directing the accessor to transport the cartridge to aspecific multi-cartridge deep slot cell 100, and place the cartridgetherein.

In one embodiment, one or more data storage cartridges may be added intothe library, e.g., at an I/O station 24, 25, whereby the controller ofthe automated data storage library 10 may then operate the accessor(s)18, 28 to transport the cartridge(s) to specific multi-cartridge deepslot cell(s) 100, and place the cartridge(s) therein. Similarly, thecontroller may operate the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place andtransport data storage cartridges with respect to the single cartridgestorage slots 16, and/or transport inserted or added cartridge(s) tospecific single cartridge storage slots 16.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a storage system 900 is shown according to oneembodiment. Note that some of the elements shown in FIG. 9 may beimplemented as hardware and/or software, according to variousembodiments. In some approaches, the storage system 900 may beimplemented in an automated data storage library such as that shown inFIGS. 1-2. In other approaches, an automated data storage library suchas that shown in FIGS. 1-2 may be a tier of the storage system 900.

The storage system 900 may include a storage system manager 912 forcommunicating with a plurality of media on at least one higher storagetier 902 and at least one lower storage tier 906. The higher storagetier(s) 902 preferably may include one or more random access and/ordirect access media 904, such as hard disks in hard disk drives (HDDs),nonvolatile memory (NVM), solid state memory in solid state drives(SSDs), flash memory, SSD arrays, flash memory arrays, etc., and/orothers noted herein or known in the art. The lower storage tier(s) 906may preferably include one or more lower performing storage media 908,including sequential access media such as magnetic tape in tape drivesand/or optical media, slower accessing HDDs, slower accessing SSDs,etc., and/or others noted herein or known in the art. One or moreadditional storage tiers 916 may include any combination of storagememory media as desired by a designer of the system 900. Also, any ofthe higher storage tiers 902 and/or the lower storage tiers 906 mayinclude some combination of storage devices and/or storage media.

The storage system manager 912 may communicate with the storage media904, 908 on the higher storage tier(s) 902 and lower storage tier(s) 906through a network 910, such as a storage area network (SAN), as shown inFIG. 9, or some other suitable network type. The storage system manager912 may also communicate with one or more host systems (not shown)through a host interface 914, which may or may not be a part of thestorage system manager 912. The storage system manager 912 and/or anyother component of the storage system 900 may be implemented in hardwareand/or software, and may make use of a processor (not shown) forexecuting commands of a type known in the art, such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. Of course, anyarrangement of a storage system may be used, as will be apparent tothose of skill in the art upon reading the present description.

In more embodiments, the storage system 900 may include any number ofdata storage tiers, and may include the same or different storage memorymedia within each storage tier. For example, each data storage tier mayinclude the same type of storage memory media, such as HDDs, SSDs,sequential access media (tape in tape drives, optical disc in opticaldisc drives, etc.), direct access media (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), or anycombination of media storage types. In one such configuration, a higherstorage tier 902, may include a majority of SSD storage media forstoring data in a higher performing storage environment, and remainingstorage tiers, including lower storage tier 906 and additional storagetiers 916 may include any combination of SSDs, HDDs, tape drives, etc.,for storing data in a lower performing storage environment. In this way,more frequently accessed data, data having a higher priority, dataneeding to be accessed more quickly, etc., may be stored to the higherstorage tier 902, while data not having one of these attributes may bestored to the additional storage tiers 916, including lower storage tier906. Of course, one of skill in the art, upon reading the presentdescriptions, may devise many other combinations of storage media typesto implement into different storage schemes, according to theembodiments presented herein.

According to some embodiments, the storage system (such as 900) mayinclude logic configured to receive a request to open a data set, logicconfigured to determine if the requested data set is stored to a lowerstorage tier 906 of a tiered data storage system 900 in multipleassociated portions, logic configured to move each associated portion ofthe requested data set to a higher storage tier 902 of the tiered datastorage system 900, and logic configured to assemble the requested dataset on the higher storage tier 902 of the tiered data storage system 900from the associated portions. Of course, this logic may be implementedas a method on any device and/or system or as a computer programproduct, according to various embodiments.

As mentioned above, to place the inventive concepts disclosed herein ina context, much of the description herein refers to a tape cartridge.Again, this has been done by way of example only, and the conceptsdisclosed in the various exemplary embodiments may be readily applied toany type of data storage cartridge.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary tape cartridge 1000 in accordance with oneembodiment. As an option, the present exemplary tape cartridge 1000 maybe implemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such an exemplary tape cartridge 1000 and otherspresented herein may be used in various applications and/or inpermutations which may or may not be specifically described in theillustrative embodiments listed herein. Further, the exemplary tapecartridge 1000 presented herein may be used in any desired environment.

As shown, the tape cartridge 1000 includes a housing 1002, a datastorage medium 1004 in the housing 1002, a sensor 1006 coupled to thehousing 1002, and a microcontroller 1008 coupled to the sensor 1006.While one specific implementation of a tape cartridge is shown in FIG.10, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in the context of any type of media cartridge.

In some approaches, the sensor 1006 may be embedded inside the housing1002, as shown in FIG. 10. In more approaches, the sensor 1006 may beattached to the inside or outside of the housing 1002 withoutmodification of the housing 1002. For example, the sensor 1006 may beembedded in a self-adhesive label 1010.

As shown, the housing 1002 is configured to house a magnetic recordingtape 1004 therein. A leading end 1012 of the magnetic recording tape1004 is also shown. However, in equivalent embodiments, the housing mayhouse other types of data storage media such as an optical medium, orany other data storage medium known in the art that is read by anexternal drive.

The microcontroller 1008 coupled to the sensor 1006 is configured towirelessly communicate information about the sensor. This informationcan be derived from the output of the sensor, values calculated based onsensor output, or any other form of information communicated by thesensor. The sensor 1006 may communicate information to themicrocontroller 1008 via a communication bus, an analog I/O channel, adigital I/O channel or any other mechanism known in the art or anyvarious combination of methods. The microcontroller 1008 may thenwirelessly communicate that information to a computer, a librarycontroller, etc. The microcontroller 1008 may use any known wirelesscommunication technique. Examples include near field communications,WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. The microcontroller 1008 may be considered toinclude any wireless communications circuit coupled thereto.

The microcontroller 1008 may wirelessly communicate information aboutthe sensor 1006 in response to any desired stimulus or event. Forexample, the microcontroller 1008 may wirelessly communicate informationabout the sensor 1006 upon receiving a request from a remote device,during a communication with a remote computer, etc. In another approach,the microcontroller 1008 may wirelessly communicate information aboutthe sensor 1006 without first receiving a request, such as upondetecting an event such as a drop, periodically, immediately uponbecoming powered e.g., via RF power harvesting, etc.

The sensor 1006 coupled to the housing 1002 may include a leader pinswitch 1100 (FIG. 11), a sensor configured to detect a status of amechanical write protect mechanism 1402 (FIG. 14), a temperature sensor,a humidity sensor, a snapped tape sensor 1200 (FIG. 12), a cartridgedrop sensor, a pack-shift sensor, or any other sensor that may becomeapparent while reading this disclosure to one having ordinary skill inthe art. The sensor 1006 may include one or more of the listed sensors.The sensor 1006 may be an array of multiple sensors.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the sensor 1006 may be a sensorconfigured to detect a status of a mechanical write protect mechanismsuch as the write protect mechanism 1402 of FIG. 14, which is discussedin detail below. The mechanical write protect mechanism selectivelypermits and prevents writing to the data storage medium.

In one approach, the mechanical write protect mechanism may include amagnetic tape write protect flag for activating or deactivating asensor-switch located in a magnetic tape drive. For example, themagnetic tape drive may sense a digital signal of 0 if the flag is inthe locked position. When the flag is in the locked position, themagnetic tape drive may only read data from the magnetic tape cartridge.Alternatively, the magnetic tape drive may sense a digital signal of 1if the flag is in the unlocked position. When the flag is in theunlocked position, the magnetic tape drive may write data to and readdata from the magnetic tape cartridge.

Detection of the status of the mechanical write protect mechanism isuseful to improve the efficiency of the system and prevent unnecessarydelays. For example, in large datacenters, prior to the presentinventive concepts, an operator had to extract the magnetic tape drivecartridge from a magnetic tape library to determine the flag position byvisual inspection, or load the cartridge in a drive to determine theflag position without removing the cartridge from the magnetic tapelibrary.

In another embodiment, the sensor 1006 coupled to the housing 1002 maybe configured to detect an environmental condition associated with adata storage cartridge. In one approach, the environmental condition mayexist in the vicinity of a data storage cartridge, e.g., within and/oroutside of the cartridge. In another approach, the environmentalcondition may be a condition of a portion of a data storage cartridge.An environment condition may be any environmental condition known in theart. Exemplary environmental conditions include temperature andhumidity. Additional environmental conditions may includeelectromagnetic feedback, air quality, atmospheric pressure, etc.

In another embodiment, the sensor 1006 coupled to the housing 1002 mayinclude a sensor configured to detect an event associated with the tapecartridge. An exemplary event detection may include detecting a drop.Accordingly, the sensor 1006 may include a cartridge drop sensor such asan acceleration sensor and/or an impact sensor.

Current cartridges cannot detect a drop of the magnetic tape cartridgeand the resulting potential interference with proper operation. Adropped magnetic tape cartridge may result in leader pin misplacementand/or pack shift in the wound up tape material. The pack shift maycause damage to the edges of the leading end 1012 of the magneticrecording tape. The magnetic tape drive may also be unable to follow theservo signal due to the tape rapidly shifting laterally when a shiftedportion of the wound tape is reached during reading or writing. Theacceleration sensor may send an alert message, e.g., via a WLANconnection, directly to a host computer, a magnetic tape librarycontroller, etc.

The acceleration sensor may include any acceleration sensor know in theart. Exemplary acceleration sensors may include piezoelectricaccelerometers, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), thermalconvective accelerometers, etc. In one embodiment, the accelerationsensor is a 3 axis accelerometer such as an ADXL335.

A cartridge drop sensor may comprise an impact sensor. The impact sensormay detect a drop of the cartridge. The impact sensor may include apiezoelectric sensor, a piezoelectric resistor, a strain gage sensor, orany other impact sensor known in the art.

In another approach, the sensor may comprise a sensor to detectvibrations. External vibrations with high amplitudes may cause a tapedrive to overwrite other data tracks and/or servo tracks during a writeoperation. Upon detecting indication of a vibration from the sensor, themicrocontroller may send an alert to a library controller and/or remotecomputer, store an indication of the time and characteristic (e.g.,amplitude) of the vibration in cartridge memory, etc. Conventional tapecartridges do not include vibration sensors.

In some approaches, the microcontroller 1008 may send an alert messagevia a WLAN connection directly to the host computer or the magnetic tapelibrary controller. The alert message may include a drop cartridge alertderived from output of a drop cartridge sensor. The alert message mayinclude information with a timestamp indicating when the drop occurred.

In another embodiment, the sensor 1006 coupled to the housing 1002 mayinclude a pack-shift sensor. A data storage cartridge 1000 may comprisea spool, the spool having a hub around which the data storage medium1004 is wound and a flange coupled to the hub. The wound up magnetictape material wound around the hub may become shifted due to a drop ofthe cartridge, through normal use, or as a result of damage to the edgesof the wound up material. The pack-shift sensor 1006 may be configuredto detect a shift in packing position of the data storage medium 1004relative to the flange. A pack shift sensor may use an optical detectiontechnique known in the art.

As shown, the microcontroller 1008 may be used for detecting themechanical status of a tape cartridge and accessing cartridge memoryinformation without the need to load the magnetic tape cartridge into amagnetic tape drive. The microcontroller 1008 is configured for wirelesscommunication between the tape cartridge microcontroller 1008 and themagnetic tape library controller or other computer host, e.g., which mayallow use of a web-browser based interface for interacting with the tapecartridge microcontroller. The microcontroller 1008 may be any low powerconsuming microcontroller known in the art. An exemplary embodiment mayinclude an ESP8266 microcontroller.

The microcontroller 1008 enables retrieval of the status of a datastorage cartridge without any additional device besides a wirelesslyconnected computer located anywhere. For example, some approaches enableretrieval of information from the cartridge before the robot retrievesthe cartridge from a storage slot and/or the tape cartridge is mountedin a tape drive. This aspect is useful, for example, for efficientlydetermining the status of a dropped or otherwise potentially damagedcartridge. Otherwise, the cartridge would have to be retrieved, mountedand/or physically inspected to determine the status of the cartridge.

The microcontroller 1008 may wirelessly communicate information aboutthe sensor to the remote computer, where such information may be outputto a user. The user may receive information about the cartridgeefficiently without having to manually load and unload the cartridgeinto a tape drive. The microcontroller 1008 efficiently passes ondetailed information about the status of the cartridge withoutmanipulation of the cartridge. The library controller or user or theapplication may easily discern whether or not to load or unload acartridge based on whether or not the cartridge is likely damaged.

The microcontroller 1008 may be powered using any known power source.

In one approach, the microcontroller 1008 may be powered by a powerharvesting circuit that creates current from incident RF energy, saidcurrent being sufficient to enable proper operation of themicrocontroller 1008.

In another approach, the microcontroller 1008 may be coupled to a powermanagement and battery charging circuit. The battery or batteriescoupled to the microcontroller 1008 may be charged via a physicalconnection within a storage slot or tape drive. Another approach may usea power harvesting circuit that creates current from incident RF energy,and said current is directed to the battery charging circuit.

In yet another approach, a nonrechargeable battery may be used to powerthe microcontroller 1008.

To reduce power consumption, the microcontroller 1008 may be put in adeep sleep mode. This deep sleep mode may additionally be characterizedas a low power consumption mode. To take the microcontroller 1008 out ofthis mode, a tilt switch may be implemented. In another approach, themicrocontroller 1008 may utilize a low power activation circuit that canbe awakened with a digital signal, e.g. logical 0 or 1, a predefinedactivation code, etc. In other approaches, the microcontroller 1008 mayset an interrupt triggered to wake the processor when an IP address isaccessed.

The microcontroller 1008 may be configured to wirelessly communicateinformation about the sensor 1006. In some approaches, themicrocontroller 1008 may wirelessly communicate information derived froman output of the sensor 1006. For example, such information may bevalues output from the sensor and/or values calculated based on sensoroutput.

In some approaches, the microcontroller 1008 utilizes software to keeptrack of the position of a leader pin switch, e.g., as discussed in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 11. For example, when the softwaredetects the status of the leader pin sensor to be 0, the leader pin maybe correctly positioned. Alternatively, when the software detects thestatus of the leader pin sensor as 1, then the leader pin may bemisplaced or missing. In one approach, the leader pin sensor status maybe subsequently transferred from an internal HTTP page and memory via aWLAN connection to the library controller. The leader pin sensor statusmay alternatively be sent to a computer. The magnetic tape librarycontroller can request status information via HTTP GET commands or MQTTstandard messaging. After the leader pin sensor status is successfullydelivered or pulled in response to the request, the microcontroller 1008may be put back into a deep sleep mode for power saving.

FIG. 11 illustrates a leader pin switch 1100 according to oneembodiment. As an option, the present leader pin switch 1100 may beimplemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such a leader pin switch 1100 and others presentedherein may be used in various applications and/or in permutations whichmay or may not be specifically described in the illustrative embodimentslisted herein. Further, the leader pin switch 1100 presented herein maybe used in any desired environment.

The leader pin switch 1100 may be used in a tape cartridge 1000 (FIG.10) having a leader pin 1102. The leader pin 1102 is coupled to theleading end 1012 (FIG. 10) of the magnetic recording tape.

The leader pin switch 1100 is configured to detect when the leader pinis missing or misplaced. If the leader pin is missing, the tape cannotbe threaded through a tape drive. If the leader pin is misplaced, theimproper alignment can interfere with proper operation of the tapethreading mechanism of a magnetic tape drive. For example, the tapethreading mechanism may not properly grasp the pin, resulting in the pinbecoming blocked in the tape drive. This blockage typically renders thedrive inoperable. The leader pin 1102 may become misplaced because of adefect load-mechanism in a drive that previously used the magnetic tapecartridge. The leader pin 1102 may also become misplaced because of adefect leader pin clip of the magnetic tape cartridge or because themagnetic tape cartridge was dropped. Prior magnetic tape cartridgescannot detect whether the leader pin is misplaced or missing because nosuch sensor is available.

In the embodiment shown, the leader pin switch 1100 includes a topswitch contact 1104 for contacting the leader pin 1102 when the leaderpin is properly seated, a bottom switch contact 1106 for contacting theleader pin 1102 when the leader pin is properly seated, and an insulatorlayer 1108 between the top switch contact 1104 and the bottom switchcontact 1106. The various components of the leader pin switch 1100 maybe of any suitable material. In a preferred approach, the switchcontacts are constructed of metal and the insulating layer 1108 is aplastic material.

When the leader pin 1102 is properly seated, a closed circuit betweenthe top switch contact 1104 and the bottom switch contact 1106 iscreated. Accordingly, a potential may be applied to the top switchcontact 1104, e.g., via a voltage source 1110. If current is detected ata detector 1114 (sensor) coupled to the bottom switch contact 1106, thena signal may be sent to the microcontroller indicative of proper seatingof the leader pin.

In another embodiment, the microcontroller may be coupled directly tothe leader pin switch 1100, whereby the leader pin switch 1100 acts as asensor. In an exemplary configuration, an electrical wire is coupled tothe top switch contact 1104 and an electrical ground potential isapplied to the bottom switch contact 1106. An electrical “High Signal”may be applied to the wire connected to the top switch contact 1104 ofthe leader pin switch 1100 via a pull-up resistor (not shown). Thebottom switch contact 1106 may be connected to an input IO-pin of themicrocontroller 1008, which detects the presence or absence of the highsignal.

Another embodiment of the leader pin switch 1100 may be constructed of ametal and a special form spring type mechanism. For example, the switchcontacts 1104, 1106 may be configured to hold the leader pin 1102 in anominal position when the tape is completely rewound into the cartridge,e.g., by exerting a slight biasing force on the leader pin 1102, in asimilar manner to a conventional leader pin clip.

In yet another embodiment, the leader pin switch 1100 may bemagnetically coupled to the leader pin 1102 when the leader pin is inthe correct upright position. The magnetic coupling allows for easyrelease of the leader pin via the threading mechanism in a magnetic tapedrive.

The leader pin switch 1100 may enable discernment of the status of theleader pin, such as correctly positioned, upright, incorrectlypositioned, properly seated, tilted, or missing.

While one specific implementation of a leader pin switch is shown inFIG. 11, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in the context of any type of media cartridge design.

Yet another embodiment of a tape cartridge includes a sensor configuredto detect potential damage to the magnetic recording tape. Damage to themagnetic recording tape may include the absence of the tape, damage tothe edge of the tape, or any other possible inconsistencies in themagnetic recording tape. Illustrative sensors that may be used to detectpotential damage to the magnetic recording tape may include an opticalsensor that optically detects defects such as absence of the tape, edgecurling, etc.; a tension sensor e.g., for detecting tape breakage; acontact sensor that detects inconsistencies along the edge of the tape,tape tension or lack thereof, etc.; etc.

FIG. 12 illustrates a snapped tape sensor 1200 according to oneembodiment. As an option, the present snapped tape sensor 1200 may beimplemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such a snapped tape sensor 1200 and others presentedherein may be used in various applications and/or in permutations whichmay or may not be specifically described in the illustrative embodimentslisted herein. Further, the snapped tape sensor 1200 presented hereinmay be used in any desired environment.

Tape material may snap when the tape material gets too hot or wherethere is some edge damage to the tape itself and the tape tears as aresult. The tape could also appear snapped where the tape was manuallyloaded into the library and a leader pin was dislocated. The snappedtape sensor 1200 in the embodiment shown detects when there is no tapebetween an anti-reflective coating 1210 and the snapped tape sensor1200. In response to failure to detect presence of a tape, the cartridgemay be unloaded and taken to an IO station where the cartridge can berecovered. A sensor for detecting snapped tape is not available inconventional tape cartridges.

In one approach, in the case that the tape snaps during operation, themagnetic tape drive may report a servo read error. The leading end 1012of the magnetic recording tape may comprise a shiny and reflectivematerial. A snapped tape sensor 1200 may use an optical detection sensorto detect whether the magnetic tape is snapped, cut, or otherwisemissing. The optical sensor may comprise a red current beam or laser.

The illustrative snapped tape sensor 1200 depicted in FIG. 12 may bepresent in a tape cartridge, e.g., tape cartridge 1000 (FIG. 10). Asshown, the snapped tape sensor 1200 includes an IR transmitter 1202 andan IR receiver 1204, each in separate enclosures 1206. The IRtransmitter 1202 and IR receiver 1204 face the leading end 1012 (FIG.10) of the magnetic recording tape positioned in front of ananti-reflective coating 1210 along the wall of the housing 1002 (FIG.10).

In an exemplary approach, a micro infrared reflex light sensor may beimplemented in a tape cartridge using a SMR IR-LED as the sender and aSMD IR-Transistor with a focus lens as the light receiver. Ananti-reflective coating 1210 is added to the area of the housing 1002 ofa magnetic tape cartridge behind the leading end 1012 of the magneticrecording tape. The IR beam is reflected by the tape and detected by theIR receiver 1204, but the IR beam will be absorbed by theanti-reflective coating 1210 when the magnetic tape is snapped, cut, orotherwise missing, resulting in a different signal output of the IRreceiver 1204. This signal change may be detected by the IO of themicrocontroller 1008. The microcontroller 1008 may then store theinformation into the cartridge memory 1302 for later use, report thedetected damage to the library controller and/or remote computer, etc.

The snapped tape sensor 1200 may also function as a pack-shift sensorfor detecting poorly wound up and/or shifted magnetic tape material byadjusting the IR-beam to the edge of the tape. The light may bereflected from the magnetic tape while the tape is wound or operated.The reflected signal level may defer for different winding scenarios.Different winding scenarios may include popped strands, pack slip, orflange pack of the wound up magnetic tape material.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary tape cartridge 1300 according to oneembodiment. As an option, the present tape cartridge 1300 may beimplemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such a tape cartridge 1300 and others presentedherein may be used in various applications and/or in permutations whichmay or may not be specifically described in the illustrative embodimentslisted herein. Further, the tape cartridge 1300 presented herein may beused in any desired environment.

As shown, the tape cartridge 1300 includes a housing 1002, a datastorage medium 1004 in the housing 1002, a cartridge memory 1302 coupledto the housing 1002, and a microcontroller 1008 in physicalcommunication with the cartridge memory 1302 and configured towirelessly communicate information retrieved from the cartridge memory1302. While one specific implementation of a tape cartridge is shown inFIG. 13, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in the context of any type of media cartridge.

In some approaches, the cartridge memory 1302 may be embedded inside thehousing 1002. In more approaches, the cartridge memory 1302 may beattached to the inside or outside of the housing 1002 withoutmodification of the housing 1002. For example, the cartridge memory maybe embedded in a self-adhesive label. The cartridge memory 1302 may be anonvolatile memory device, read-only memory (ROM) device, etc., embeddedinto or coupled to the inside or outside of the tape cartridge 1300.

A cartridge memory 1302 demonstrated in FIG. 13 may be any cartridgememory chip known in the art. Preferably, the cartridge memory 1302 hasa wireless communications interface that allows wireless communicationindependently of the microcontroller 1008. An exemplary embodiment ofthe cartridge memory 1302 is an RFID chip with onboard memory. Thecartridge memory 1302 may be used to identify, provide, and store anyinformation as would become apparent to one having ordinary skill in theart upon reading this disclosure. A cartridge memory 1302 may be used bythe magnetic tape drive to identify the magnetic tape cartridge loadedinto the magnetic tape drive. In one approach, the cartridge memory 1302may provide positioning information, filing status, and mount history ofthe last several different tape drive serial numbers. The magnetic tapedrive may need this information in order to operate with the particularcartridge.

In conventional tape cartridges, a cartridge memory can only be accessedif the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded into a magnetic tape drive orwith external RFID reader devices. Magnetic tape cartridges cannotcurrently communicate from an RFID cartridge memory to a host without amagnetic tape drive. Wireless communication via RFID is only availablein limited distances, e.g. centimeter distances. Current magnetic tapecartridges cannot be accessed via an IP network. The configuration shownin FIG. 13 overcomes these limitations.

In an exemplary approach, the cartridge memory 1302 coupled to thehousing 1002 may be an RFID cartridge memory chip with an I2C BusSystem. This allows physical communication between the RFID chip and themicrocontroller 1008. In addition to reading and writing data betweenthe magnetic tape cartridge, the cartridge memory 1302, and the magnetictape drive, additional reading and writing of data may be done betweenthe cartridge memory 1302 and the microcontroller 1008. In thisapproach, the reading of data from and writing of data to the cartridgememory 1302 inside the magnetic tape cartridge may be done withoutmounting the magnetic tape cartridge into the magnetic tape drive.

The microcontroller 1008 may be in communication with the cartridgememory 1302 via a hard wired connection. This hard wired connection mayinclude a I2C Bus System. This hard wired connection between themicrocontroller 1008 and the cartridge memory 1302 enables exchange ofinformation including programming and the status of the cartridge. Themicrocontroller 1008 may be configured to wirelessly communicateinformation retrieved from the cartridge memory 1302. This informationmay include values received directly from the cartridge memory orinformation derived from data stored in the cartridge memory, as wouldbe understood by one skilled in the art upon reading the presentdescription. This information from the cartridge memory 1302 may furtherbe output to a web browser of a computer.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary tape cartridge 1400 having a remotelycontrollable write protection mechanism 1402, in accordance with oneembodiment. As an option, the present exemplary tape cartridge 1400 maybe implemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such an exemplary tape cartridge 1400 and otherspresented herein may be used in various applications and/or inpermutations which may or may not be specifically described in theillustrative embodiments listed herein. Further, the exemplary tapecartridge 1400 presented herein may be used in any desired environment.

As shown, the tape cartridge 1400 includes a housing 1002, a datastorage medium 1004 in the housing 1002, a mechanical write protectmechanism 1402 coupled to the housing 1002, an actuator 1404 coupled tothe mechanical write protection mechanism 1402, and a microcontroller1008 in communication with the actuator 1404, the microcontroller 1008being configured to control the actuator 1404. While one specificimplementation of a tape cartridge is shown in FIG. 14, it should benoted that the embodiments described herein may be implemented in thecontext of any type of media cartridge.

The actuator 1404 coupled to the mechanical write protection mechanism1402 may be for selectively changing a state of the mechanical writeprotection mechanism 1402. In one approach, the actuator 1404 may be asmall dimension and high force bi-stable actuator. The actuator 1404 maydrive the mechanical write protection mechanism 1402.

Mechanical write protect mechanisms cannot be changed from a remoteposition in conventional cartridges. The mechanical write protectmechanism 1402 protects against accidentally overwriting data on thecartridge when the mechanism is in the locked position. Typically, theflag can be moved from a locked to an unlocked position and vice versavia a manual setting of said flag. In large datacenters, an operatormust export conventional magnetic tape drive cartridges from a magnetictape library to change the flag position by hand. No electricalpositioning of the write protect flag is available in conventionalcartridges.

The actuator 1404 coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanism 1402of the current embodiment is able to change the position of the flagfrom a remote location, without loading the tape cartridge 1000, into atape drive via wireless communication capabilities associated with themicrocontroller 1008. This automates the process of locking andunlocking the flag position. The eliminates the time and hassle ofmanually changing the position of the flag and thus makes the processmore efficient.

The microcontroller 1008 may be in communication with the actuator 1404through any mechanism known in the art. In an exemplary approach, themicrocontroller 1008 may be in communication with the actuator 1404 viaa hardwired connection. The microcontroller 1008 may be configured tocontrol the actuator.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary tape cartridge 1500 in accordance with oneembodiment. As an option, the present exemplary tape cartridge 1500 maybe implemented in conjunction with features from any other embodimentlisted herein, such as those described with reference to the other FIGS.Of course, however, such an exemplary tape cartridge 1500 and otherspresented herein may be used in various applications and/or inpermutations which may or may not be specifically described in theillustrative embodiments listed herein. Further, the exemplary tapecartridge 1500 presented herein may be used in any desired environment.

As shown, the tape cartridge 1500 includes a housing 1002, a datastorage medium 1004 in the housing 1002, a plurality of sensors 1006coupled to the housing, and a microcontroller 1008 coupled to thesensors 1006. A cartridge memory 1302 is also coupled to the housing1002, and the microcontroller 1008 is in communication with thecartridge memory 1302. A mechanical write protect mechanism 1402 iscoupled to the housing 1002, an actuator 1404 is coupled to themechanical write protection mechanism 1402, and the microcontroller 1008is in communication with the actuator 1404, the microcontroller 1008being configured to control the actuator 1404. While one specificimplementation of a tape cartridge is shown in FIG. 15, it should benoted that the embodiments described herein may be implemented in thecontext of any type of media cartridge.

The data storage cartridge may also comprise a display device 1502 incommunication with the microcontroller 1008. The display device may beany display device known in the art. Some embodiment may include an OLEDdisplay, LCD display, etc. Conventional magnetic tape cartridges do nothave a display for showing the status of the magnetic tape cartridgelocally.

The display device 1502 may be used to provide guidance as to whether tomount or not mount the cartridge, the status of the leader pin,information received from the sensors, and/or any other available dataderived from the cartridge. The display device may also help to indicateor locate a cartridge. This is particularly helpful where human usersare prone to misreading barcodes on the cartridge.

An exemplary embodiment of the process of one embodiment of theinvention may include the following operations. A movement sensor suchas a tilt switch or other feasible sensor as described above may detecta fast horizontal movement generated by moving a magnetic tape cartridgefrom its current position in a magnetic tape library. A microcontrollerin the cartridge, such as an ESP8266 controller or similar chip, maydetect an output of the movement sensor indicating a shift in movement.The microcontroller may exit a deep sleep and/or low power consumptionmode in response to detecting said tilt switch or sensor experiencing anexternal interrupt. Once the microcontroller leaves its deep sleepand/or low power consumption mode, the microcontroller may detectwhether the magnetic tape leader pin is properly seated and report thestatus of the pin to a magnetic tape library controller. Based on thisdetection, the magnetic tape library controller may allow the placementof the cartridge in a magnetic tape drive when the magnetic tape leaderpin is properly seated. If the magnetic leader pin is not properlyseated, then the tape library controller may instruct the robot to placethe magnetic tape cartridge into the tape library's IO station and/oroutput an error message for display to the operator to correct theseating of the magnetic tape leader pin. The microcontroller may then goback into a deep sleep and/or low power consumption mode. While onespecific implementation of the process is described herein, it should benoted that the embodiments described herein may be implemented in thecontext of any type of media cartridge.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a ROM, anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a staticrandom access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk,a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structuresin a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitablecombination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, asused herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se,such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves,electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or othertransmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-opticcable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Moreover, a system according to various embodiments may include aprocessor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor,the logic being configured to perform one or more of the process stepsrecited herein. By integrated with, what is meant is that the processorhas logic embedded therewith as hardware logic, such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), etc. By executable by the processor, what is meant is that thelogic is hardware logic; software logic such as firmware, part of anoperating system, part of an application program; etc., or somecombination of hardware and software logic that is accessible by theprocessor and configured to cause the processor to perform somefunctionality upon execution by the processor. Software logic may bestored on local and/or remote memory of any memory type, as known in theart. Any processor known in the art may be used, such as a softwareprocessor module and/or a hardware processor such as an ASIC, a FPGA, acentral processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit (IC), etc.

It will be clear that the various features of the foregoing systemsand/or methodologies may be combined in any way, creating a plurality ofcombinations from the descriptions presented above.

It will be further appreciated that embodiments of the present inventionmay be provided in the form of a service deployed on behalf of acustomer.

The inventive concepts disclosed herein have been presented by way ofexample to illustrate the myriad features thereof in a plurality ofillustrative scenarios, embodiments, and/or implementations. It shouldbe appreciated that the concepts generally disclosed are to beconsidered as modular, and may be implemented in any combination,permutation, or synthesis thereof. In addition, any modification,alteration, or equivalent of the presently disclosed features,functions, and concepts that would be appreciated by a person havingordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant descriptions shouldalso be considered within the scope of this disclosure.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of an embodiment of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the followingclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data storage cartridge, comprising: a housingconfigured to house a data storage medium; a sensor coupled to thehousing; a microcontroller coupled to the sensor, the microcontrollerbeing configured to wirelessly communicate information about the sensor;and a mechanical write protect mechanism coupled to the housing of thedata storage cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to detect astatus of the mechanical write protect mechanism.
 2. A data storagecartridge as recited in claim 1, wherein the data storage medium is amagnetic recording tape.
 3. A data storage cartridge, comprising: ahousing configured to house a data storage medium therein; a cartridgememory coupled to the housing, the cartridge memory having a wirelesscommunications interface; a microcontroller in physical communicationwith the cartridge memory, the microcontroller being configured towirelessly communicate information retrieved from the cartridge memory;a mechanical write protect mechanism coupled to the housing of the datastorage cartridge; and a sensor in communication with themicrocontroller, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a status ofthe mechanical write protect mechanism.
 4. A data storage cartridge asrecited in claim 3, wherein the data storage medium is a magneticrecording tape.
 5. A data storage cartridge, comprising: a housingconfigured to house a data storage medium therein; a mechanical writeprotect mechanism coupled to the housing of the data storage cartridge;an actuator coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanism forselectively changing a state of the mechanical write protect mechanism;and a microcontroller in communication with the actuator, themicrocontroller being configured to control the actuator.
 6. A datastorage cartridge as recited in claim 5, wherein the data storage mediumis a magnetic recording tape.
 7. A data storage cartridge as recited inclaim 5, comprising a sensor in communication with the microcontroller.8. A data storage cartridge as recited in claim 5, comprising a displaydevice in communication with the microcontroller.